Most insurance plans cover some hearing aid costs, but rarely the full price
Whether your insurance pays for hearing aids depends on what type of insurance you have and what your specific plan covers. Medicare covers a hearing test but not the hearing aids themselves. Private insurance plans vary widely — some cover 50 to 80 percent of the cost, others cover nothing. Veterans may have coverage through the VA. Medicaid covers hearing aids in most states, though the amount and process differ by state.
The out-of-pocket cost for hearing aids typically ranges from a few hundred dollars to several thousand per pair, depending on the technology level and features. Even with insurance, you may pay a copay, meet a deductible, or pay a percentage of the cost. Some plans limit how often you can get new hearing aids — often once every three to five years.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare covers hearing tests but does not cover the cost of hearing aids themselves, though some Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited coverage.
- Private insurance coverage varies by plan and employer; you need to check your specific policy documents or call your insurance company to learn what you pay.
- Medicaid covers hearing aids in most states, but the amount covered and the process process differ by state.
- Veterans may receive hearing aids through the VA if they have service-connected hearing loss or meet other VA criteria.
- If insurance does not cover hearing aids, programs like the Hearing Aid Project and state vocational rehabilitation services may help reduce costs.
What Medicare covers and does not cover
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers a hearing test ordered by your doctor, but it does not cover the hearing aids themselves or the fitting appointment. This is a long-standing gap in Medicare coverage. You pay 20 percent of the cost of the hearing test after you meet your Part B deductible; Medicare pays 80 percent.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do offer hearing aid coverage as an added benefit, though the amount varies. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan documents or call the plan directly to ask whether hearing aids are covered and what your out-of-pocket cost would be. Not all Medicare Advantage plans include this benefit, and those that do may limit coverage to one pair every few years or cap the dollar amount they will pay.
Private insurance and employer plans
Private insurance plans offered through your employer or purchased on your own may cover hearing aids, but the details depend entirely on your plan. Some plans cover 50 to 80 percent of the cost after you meet your deductible. Others cover a fixed dollar amount per ear — for example, $500 or $1,000 per hearing aid. Still others do not cover hearing aids at all.
The best way to find out what your plan covers is to call the customer service number on your insurance card and ask: Does my plan cover hearing aids? If yes, what percentage do you cover, or what is the dollar limit? Do I need a referral from my doctor? Is there a waiting period? How often can I get new hearing aids? Write down the answers and ask for a written summary if the plan offers one.
Some employers offer hearing aid discounts through third-party programs, even if the insurance plan itself does not cover hearing aids. Ask your employer's benefits department whether such a discount program is available to you.
Medicaid coverage by state
Medicaid covers hearing aids in all 50 states, but the amount covered and the process for getting them varies significantly. Some states cover the full cost of hearing aids; others cover a portion. Some states limit coverage to one pair every three years; others allow more frequent replacements. A few states require prior approval before you purchase hearing aids.
To find out what your state's Medicaid program covers, contact your state Medicaid office directly or visit your state's Medicaid website. You can also call 211 (a free referral service) and ask for information about hearing aid coverage under your state's Medicaid plan. If you are not yet enrolled in Medicaid, the same resources can tell you how the process works.
Veterans Administration hearing aid coverage
The VA provides hearing aids to veterans at no cost if you have service-connected hearing loss or if you meet other VA criteria. You do not need to have a service-connected disability rating to receive hearing aids through the VA — you may be covered if you are a low-income veteran or if you have certain other conditions. The VA also covers the fitting, adjustments, and replacement of hearing aids.
To find out whether you are covered, contact your local VA medical center or call the VA at 1-800-827-1000. You can also visit VA.gov to locate your nearest VA facility. The VA will conduct a hearing test and discuss your options with you.
Other programs that may help pay for hearing aids
If your insurance does not cover hearing aids or covers only part of the cost, several programs may help reduce what you pay out of pocket. The Hearing Aid Project, run by the Hearing Loss Association of America, offers hearing aids at reduced cost to low-income adults in select cities. Some state vocational rehabilitation agencies cover hearing aids for people who need them for work. Local Lions Clubs sometimes provide hearing aids or financial help to people who cannot afford them.
Hearing aid manufacturers also offer patient information programs that may reduce the cost if you meet income requirements. Ask your audiologist or hearing aid provider whether they know of any programs you might be able to use. Some providers also offer payment plans that let you spread the cost over several months.
How to reduce your out-of-pocket hearing aid costs
If you are paying part or all of the cost yourself, you have several options. First, ask your audiologist or hearing aid provider whether they offer discounts for paying in full upfront, or whether they have a payment plan. Some providers offer 10 to 20 percent discounts for cash payment.
Second, compare prices across providers. Hearing aid prices vary significantly, even for the same model. Get quotes from at least two or three providers before you decide. Third, ask whether your provider will work with you on the technology level — a basic hearing aid costs much less than a high-end model with many features, though it may not work as well in noisy environments.
Fourth, check whether you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer. Both allow you to set aside pre-tax money to pay for hearing aids and related care. Fifth, look into whether you may have access to for any of the programs mentioned above — the Hearing Aid Project, state vocational rehabilitation, or manufacturer information programs.
What to ask your insurance company and audiologist
Before you buy hearing aids, gather information from both your insurance company and your audiologist. Call your insurance company and ask: Does my plan cover hearing aids? What is the dollar amount or percentage? Do I need a referral? Is there a waiting period? How often can I get new ones? Ask for written confirmation of the answers.
Then call your audiologist or hearing aid provider and ask: What is the total cost of the hearing aids I need? Do you accept my insurance? If so, what will my out-of-pocket cost be? Do you offer a payment plan? Do you offer any discounts? Can you provide a written quote? Having this information before you commit to a purchase will help you understand exactly what you will pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover hearing aids at all?
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or the fitting appointment, though it does cover a hearing test if your doctor orders one. Some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid coverage as an optional benefit. Call your plan to ask whether yours does.
What if my private insurance does not cover hearing aids?
Ask your employer's benefits department whether they offer a hearing aid discount program. Look into the Hearing Aid Project, state vocational rehabilitation, or manufacturer information programs. Some hearing aid providers offer payment plans or discounts for upfront payment. An HSA or FSA can also help you pay with pre-tax money.
How do I find out what my state's Medicaid covers for hearing aids?
Contact your state Medicaid office directly, visit your state's Medicaid website, or call 211 for a referral. Each state's coverage is different, so you need to check your specific state's rules. If you are not yet enrolled, these same resources can tell you how the process works.
Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for hearing aids?
Yes. Both Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax money for hearing aids, hearing tests, and related care. Check with your plan administrator about what documentation you need to provide when you pay for hearing aids.
What should I do if I cannot afford hearing aids even with insurance?
Ask your audiologist about payment plans and discounts. Contact the Hearing Loss Association of America about the Hearing Aid Project in your area. Call your state vocational rehabilitation agency. Check whether local Lions Clubs in your area help with hearing aid costs. Ask your audiologist whether hearing aid manufacturers offer information programs you might may have access to for.